Here is what we've been doing in the 12+ age group. From May 25 - April 8th, we have been looking at various topics and scriptures and discussing them. I present a short thought, and then we get right into the Word and discussion. The teens seem to enjoy this style, so we're sticking with it for awhile.
If you don't have a Bible, there are tons of phone apps and online resources you can use. Online I really enjoy BlueLetterBible.com. For an App, I like YouVersion.
3/25/13 Am I My Brother's Keeper
Today there seems to be this "live and let live" mentality with an over abundance of tolerance without question. My challenge to you today is to look at life from a slightly different perspective.
Gen 4:1b-13 (read aloud) - God obviously felt that in some ways Cain was his brother's keeper and that we are to be looking out for each other. (Discussed)
I John 3:11-15 (read aloud) - This passage reminds us of the story of Cain and Abel and calls us all to a life of love. (Discussed)
Matt 7:1-2 (read aloud) - Do not judge or you will be judged. (Discussed)
4/1/13 God's Promise of Excellence
At the Action Sports Conference one of the speakers talked about excellence. He said if you are going to do something for God, do it with excellence. Don't do something halfway. Don't copy what someone else is doing. Do what God has called you to do with excellence.
At the same time, do not sacrifice other commands of God in order to pursue excellence. Ex. Let's say God has called you to become a professional skate videographer. As you pursue being the best skate videographer don't dabble with the sex, drugs, and alcohol in the skate world. That may seem obvious, but what about taking shortcuts that may be a little bit in the gray area? What about going into debt? What about dating that non-Christian girl who happens to be the producer's daughter who might get you where you want to go in the industry?
What are your current or future dreams for excellence in your life?
Let's look at some Bible verses regarding excellence and discuss how these verses can be seen and played out in your life. We'll also discuss what your job is in each verse.
Joshua 1:7
Proverbs 16:3
Matthew 20:26-28
John 14:12
John 15:15-16 (Discuss. Then read vs. 17 and discuss some more.)
2 Corinthians 3:2-6 (Discuss where does our confidence come from.)
4/1/13 God's Promise of Excellence
At the Action Sports Conference one of the speakers talked about excellence. He said if you are going to do something for God, do it with excellence. Don't do something halfway. Don't copy what someone else is doing. Do what God has called you to do with excellence.
At the same time, do not sacrifice other commands of God in order to pursue excellence. Ex. Let's say God has called you to become a professional skate videographer. As you pursue being the best skate videographer don't dabble with the sex, drugs, and alcohol in the skate world. That may seem obvious, but what about taking shortcuts that may be a little bit in the gray area? What about going into debt? What about dating that non-Christian girl who happens to be the producer's daughter who might get you where you want to go in the industry?
What are your current or future dreams for excellence in your life?
Let's look at some Bible verses regarding excellence and discuss how these verses can be seen and played out in your life. We'll also discuss what your job is in each verse.
Joshua 1:7
Proverbs 16:3
Matthew 20:26-28
John 14:12
John 15:15-16 (Discuss. Then read vs. 17 and discuss some more.)
2 Corinthians 3:2-6 (Discuss where does our confidence come from.)
4/8/13 What Does The Bible Say About Revenge?
Revenge Dictionary Definition:
To exact punishment or payment for a wrong on behalf of yourself or someone else, especially in a resentful or vindictive spirit.
To take vengeance for, inflict punishment for, avenge.
Vengeance = infliction of injury, harm, humiliation etc on a person who has been harmed by that person.
Have you ever sought revenge for yourself or someone else?
What does the Bible say about seeking revenge?
Deuteronomy 32:34-35 This is part of the song of Moses. God had spoken to him about the nation of Israel falling away from God and look what God said in vs. 34. What did he say? Basically, he's saying I have logged this data. I will remember it. Then in vs. 35 whose job is it to deal with this? "It is mine to avenge."
Psalm 94:1 who’s job is it?
Proverbs 25:21-22 What does this verse have to do with revenge? How can you really get back at your enemy and still please God?
Matthew 5:38-42 What do you think about these verses? How do you see this realistically playing out in your daily life?
Romans 12:17-21There is a lot in this section. What do you see in these verses?
- Do not repay evil for evil.
- Live at peace whenever possible.
- Don't take revenge: leave that for God. He'll handle it.
- Do exactly the opposite of what you may want to do, and treat your enemy with love and kindness.
- Overcome evil with good.
I Peter 3:8-14 Why are we supposed to repay insult with blessing?
Revenge does not equal Love. God is love. We are to be his hands, his feet, his mouth. We cannot seek revenge and act in love at the same time. Even if you are seeking revenge on behalf of someone you love, you cannot be showing love to the person you are acting out against. At least 19 times in the New Testament, we read that it is our job to "love on another." As you leave Bible Session tonight, go back to school, back to your friends, back to your families, keep those words in your heart and mind, "LOVE ONE ANOTHER."
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